The recent frost reminded me that it is once again time to issue the annual Winter Weather Advisory letter.

As we all know, Connecticut weather can be very unpredictable and severe. When the forecast predicts wintry weather, students wish for the coveted “snow day.” At the same time, parents are hoping that school will be open as usual! Despite the impact of these opposing forces, area school district superintendents must ensure that each school meets the state mandated 180 school days and nine hundred school hours in a safe and secure manner even during adverse weather conditions.

The process of making the decision to close or delay school begins well in advance of the announcement on the radio and television. Typically, superintendents review weather forecasts the day before the storm and during the early morning hours. Between 4:45 a.m. and 5:15 a.m., telephone consultations between the superintendents, highway departments, maintenance personnel, and police departments determine the status of the weather and roads. The superintendents try to make a decision by 5:30 a.m. in the morning based upon the best estimates of what will happen in the next two to twelve hours. However, changing conditions may necessitate a later decision. If weather, road, and school site conditions warrant, the superintendents will cancel or delay the opening of schools.Region 6 will use an automated telephone notification system to expedite the announcement of changes in school schedule or other emergency or special announcements. Parents should be sure their contact information is updated to ensure they receive important information. Radio and television stations, school bus operators, theschool district websites, and staff will be notified immediately.

Occasionally a delayed opening may become a cancellation if weather conditions worsen rapidly during the early morning. This announcement will usually be made by 6:30 a.m. Parents should continue to monitor local radio and television stations throughout the day for a cancellation or early dismissal on days when the weather is questionable.

Many factors are taken into account when assessing conditions impacting the opening, closing or delaying of school. The primary consideration is the safety of students ranging from approximately three to twenty one years of age. School buses, parents, students, and staff members must travel on the highways and back roads of the area to get to and from the schools. Conditions within the towns and surrounding areas may differ dramatically during inclement weather. Consideration must also be given to the ability of the maintenance crews of the towns and the schools to clear and sand or salt the school parking lots, pathways, sidewalks, and entrances. Due to limited personnel and equipment, these tasks are often not started until after all streets are plowed.

In situations where it is predicted that weather and road conditions will improve during the morning, the opening of schools may be delayed byTWO HOURS. This means all busroutes and opening schedules will operateTWO HOURSlater than usual. The balance of theschool day and dismissal will be on a normal schedule.

This year the district will also have an option of aTHREE-HOUR delay in case more time isneeded for road conditions to improve. This means all bus routes and opening schedules will operateTHREE HOURSlater than usual. The balance of the school day and dismissalwill be on a normal schedule.

In the event that a delayed opening is called on an early release day, students will remain in school until the normal afternoon dismissal time.If this change occurs, there will then be no morning prekindergarten and afternoon prekindergarten will resume meeting at its regular time.

Although early closings are avoided whenever possible, in rare cases it may be necessary to dismiss school early due to unexpected deterioration of weather conditions. In these situations, an announcement will be issued by 9:30 a.m. and schools will be dismissed early.

Weather related early dismissals have changed this year. For Wamogo Regional High School early dismissals are 11:00 a.m.The elementary schools will dismiss at approximately 12:30 p.m.When there is an early dismissal, morning prekindergarten will dismiss at regular time and there will be no afternoon prekindergarten.

Families should have an emergency back-up plan in place in the event of an early closing. Children should be informed of this plan and parents should be sure their children understand where to go in the event of an early closing. Child care arrangements at home or on the same bus route should be made in advance of the early closing day since it will be difficult for the schools to contact every parent and monitor the whereabouts of every child. On days when the weather is problematic, parents are advised to stay tuned to the local radio and/or television channel to be aware of early closings. Since each school has adifferent procedure for dealing with alternate drop-offs, parent pick-ups, etc. parents should follow the established procedure.

For safety and efficiency purposes, we encourage parents to have their children ride the school bus on a regular basis. This is especially important on days when the weather is bad. School parking area tends to experience heavy traffic and become grid-locked when many parents drive to pick up their children during bad weather.

Please note that when school is canceled, or when there is an early dismissal all activities and meetings for the day are also canceled. The school buildings will be closed.

The decision to delay, cancel, or dismiss school early is often a difficult one.Decisions made by the school district are not intended to prevent parents from making their own decision to send a child to school or keep a child home during severe weather.Based upon a personal assessment of weather reports, road conditions, and safety factors specific to their residence, parents may make their own decision regarding their child’s school attendance during inclement weather.

Parents who have questions, special circumstances, or who require additional clarification should contact their school principal.